Claudio Reyna came through his comeback game unscathed as the USA warmed up for the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a friendly win against Paraguay.

Claudio Reyna came through his comeback game unscathed as the USA warmed up for the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a friendly win against Paraguay.

The Sunderland midfielder had not played since damaging his cruciate ligament against Bolton in October but he played the final 30 minutes against Paraguay at the Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio, after coming on as a substitute for DC United midfielder Bobby Convey.

The USA won 2-0, with goals from Landon Donovan in the 12th minute and Earnie Stewart in injury time, as they completed their preparations for the Gold Cup which gets under way on Saturday.

Reyna was delighted to be back playing again and he said: "It's been a long road. Everything went well. It was the first of many more steps to keep improving and getting better.

"For a first game, it was great."

Reyna's return comes as a boost to Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy, with the 29-year-old expected to play an important role at the Stadium of Light next season - assuming he is still at the club.

McCarthy said: "He's had a serious injury, but his recovery has gone well.

"If the United States do well in the Gold Cup, he'll be away for a few more weeks.

"As long as he is fit and ready to play when he comes back, I'm happy."

The USA's first game in the Gold Cup is next Saturday against El Salvador and US coach Bruce Arena is looking forward to having his captain back as his team defend the title they won last February.

Arena said: "Reyna gives us better passing from the midfield and the ability to hold the ball.

"His experience, his technical ability and also his leadership make our team much more dangerous."

Reyna has been the subject of some interest from Blackburn Rovers but so far nothing concrete has emerged and the former Glasgow Rangers player has given no indication that he wants to leave Wearside.

But, like all Sunderland's big-earners, he would be available if a bid came in at the right price as McCarthy still needs to trim his squad, generate cash and slash the club's wage bill.

Meanwhile, Sunderland goalkeeper Mart Poom kept a clean sheet after being recalled by Estonia to play against Latvia in the Baltic Cup over the weekend - but a goalless draw was enough to see Latvia retain the trophy in Tallinn.

Poom did not play in Estonia's first match in the tri-nation tournament against Lithuania on Thursday, which saw Lithuania win 5-1 to become favourites to win the trophy.

But Latvia edged past Lithuania 2-1 on Friday, meaning a draw was good enough for them against Estonia.